If I expect the world to be fair, then I must be fair to the world.
I have to do things that the world wants. Otherwise the world might not give me what I want.
If I expect the world to not judge me, then I must not judge the world.
If I follow rules such as these, then life would be a lot simpler. It would make a lot more sense.
I’m not exactly sure what is meant here by “the world”. I am also leery of the term “expect”. When my “expectations” and reality (that which actually occurred) were out of sync then I had thoughts and feelings of unfairness. Of course, I do treat others fairly (I hope). But to expect another(the world?) to act in any particular way just because I was “fair” is unrealistic.
As a child I experienced violence toward myself from my parents. I still have feelings and an attitude of “it isn’t fair”. At the same time I recognize that for me to say that what happened should not have happened is irrational. And all the “kindness” and “goodness” and “fairness” I had shown my parents did not result in my requirement of them being “fair”.
I’d like to add that I recognize that I am responsible to act fairly toward “the world”. I am not of the attitude of “you treated me unfairly therefore I’m going to ‘get back at you’ by treating you unfairly”. I am all for humanity getting over all that vengeance stuff.
While I’m here I’d like to thank you Jim for what you’re doing. I have been listening to several of your guided meditations daily. They are sensible and practical.
Hi Jim! Thanks a lot!
How should one handle the injustice of someone else toward others? Personally, I think this the most difficult issue.
Hi Dalia
The answer varies from one individual to the next. Some enlightened beings, such as Ramana Maharshi, chose to sit back and see physicality as illusion.
Others, such as Mahatma Ghandi and Mother Teresa, chose to take action in the world.
There is no one choice that is best for everyone. It depends on our level of consciousness and our karma.
With appreciation,
Jim
Thank you, Jim!!! Your answer is really helpful. All the best to you!
Jim,
Whenever we expect the world to be fair, the result could be 1) more than fair, 2) less than fair and 3) unfair, That means 2/3 or 67% of the times i am going to be unhappy..Therefore my rule is that I wanna be fair to the world and don’t expect anything in return..
That’s a great rule to follow, Ashok